Abidjan hosts landmark African data protection conference

The ninth edition of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) conference kicked off in Abidjan on Monday, May 18, 2026, bringing together over thirty nations from Africa and Europe. The four-day event features delegations from twenty-four African countries, international experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions.

The opening ceremony was led by Djibril Ouattara, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, setting the stage for intensive discussions on challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data across the continent.

A vision for Africa’s digital future

The primary objective of this gathering is the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030, a landmark document designed to outline strategic priorities for digital governance in Africa. Alongside this, the conference will also see the renewal of RAPDP’s leadership bodies. Amadou Hiro, the network’s president, emphasized the need for collective action to establish true digital sovereignty through cross-border cooperation.

Djibril Ouattara highlighted the event’s theme, “Regulating without stifling innovation”, as a call to action for stakeholders to craft balanced regulatory frameworks that safeguard citizens while fostering technological advancement across African societies.

Balancing security and progress in data governance

During the opening speeches, Roger Félix Adom, Chair of the Telecommunications and ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), underscored the human and security dimensions of personal data management. He stressed that protecting personal data is not merely a technical or legal concern—it directly impacts privacy, human dignity, freedom, and public trust in governance.

Adom clarified that regulation should serve as a protective framework rather than a barrier, enabling innovation to thrive within Africa’s digital ecosystem.

Ivory Coast leads by example in data regulation

To demonstrate progress in compliance, officials highlighted Ivory Coast’s comprehensive journey in data governance. Key milestones include the adoption of the June 19, 2013 law on personal data protection, public awareness campaigns launched in 2015, compliance audits conducted in 2022, and the implementation of streamlined standards.

In 2026, a new chapter begins with the establishment of a national registry of data protection officers. This initiative reflects the continent’s unified stance in addressing global technological shifts while reinforcing regulatory consistency across African nations.